Winter Nature Walk

Overview

This 30-minute session is Lesson 2 in the "Winter Wonders: Art & Culture" unit for preschoolers in New Zealand. The activity involves taking a supervised nature walk to observe signs of winter, collect natural items (pinecones, leaves), and discuss seasonal changes and their impact on the environment. This lesson is deeply aligned with Te Whāriki, supporting holistic development, exploration, communication, and contribution.

Learning Objectives aligned with Te Whāriki Framework

Curriculum Strands

• Exploration (Mana Aotūroa): Children will engage with the natural environment by observing and collecting items, fostering curiosity and investigation.
• Communication (Mana Reo): Children will discuss their observations using descriptive language and early vocabulary, sharing ideas about seasons and nature.
• Contribution (Mana Tangata): Children collaborate, share observations, and participate in group discussions, developing social skills.
• Well-being (Mana Atua): Encouragement of outdoor physical activity in the natural environment supports children’s physical health.
• Belonging (Mana Whenua): Children connect with their local environment and cultural understandings of seasonal changes.

Key Competencies Supported

• Thinking: Observing and reflecting on winter changes, making sense of the environment.
• Relating to Others: Sharing their ideas and listening respectfully.
• Managing Self: Taking care during the walk and collecting items responsibly.
• Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: Naming natural items and using language to express observations.
• Participating and Contributing: Actively taking part in group experiences and discussions.

Lesson Details

Time Allocation	Activity Description	Details & Tips
5 minutes	Introduction & Safety Briefing	Gather children, explain the purpose of the walk, set safety parameters, and explain respecting nature.
15 minutes	Nature Walk & Collection	Walk around a safe outdoor area (school grounds/park). Children observe winter signs (bare trees, cold air, etc.). Collect natural items (pinecones, leaves). Encourage noticing texture, colour, temperature changes. Use Te Reo Māori names where possible (e.g. rāpeti for pinecone).
5 minutes	Group Discussion & Sharing	Sit together and talk about what they found and noticed. Prompt with open questions like: “How does this leaf feel? What’s different about winter?” Include cultural stories or songs about seasons if possible for connection.
5 minutes	Reflection & Connection	Recap learning points. Help children express what they enjoyed, what was new, and relate it to their experiences at home or with family. Discuss how seasons affect plants and animals.

Resources Needed

• Bags or containers for collecting natural items
• Seating area outdoors or indoors for discussion
• Visual aids: pictures illustrating seasonal changes and local Māori seasonal terms
• Warm clothing and sunscreen if necessary for outdoor comfort

Assessment Strategies Aligned with Te Whāriki

• Observation: Teacher notes children’s engagement, vocabulary use, and collaboration during walk and discussion.
• Anecdotal Records: Record highlights of children’s verbal contributions about winter observations.
• Photographic Evidence: Capture moments of children engaged in collection and discussion for portfolios.
• Child Self-Expression: Encourage children to express their feelings or favourite parts of the activity, either verbally or with drawings in future sessions.

Teacher’s Reflective Prompts

• Did children demonstrate curiosity and exploration during the walk?
• How effectively did children communicate their observations?
• Were children respectful of the environment and each other?
• How did the experience foster children's sense of belonging to their place and community?

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Alignment to Te Whāriki References

• Principles of Empowerment through choice and engagement in natural exploration.
• Holistic Development reflected in supporting physical, language, social, and cognitive domains.
• Strand links:
  • Exploration through tactile, sensory interaction with natural materials.
  • Communication supported by language-rich discussion.
  • Contribution by sharing and working alongside peers.
• Supports Key Competencies of thinking, relating to others, managing self, and participating and contributing .

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This lesson plan is crafted to inspire wonder in young learners while grounding each activity firmly in Te Whāriki’s philosophy, supporting children’s holistic development through culturally responsive and outdoor learning experiences.